Newcastle boss Steve McClaren insists Papiss Cisse is going nowhere

Volatile Serbia striker Alexsandar Mitrovic, a £13million summer signing from Anderlecht, was preferred to Cisse in the last two games.

But Mitrovic now begins a three-match ban after being sent off for a studs-up challenge in only the 16th minute of the 1-0 home defeat by Arsenal two weeks ago.

Cisse came off the bench then, and in the goalless draw at Manchester United, after starting the first two games this season – he scored in the opening 2-2 draw with Southampton at St. James’ Park.

The Senegal ace, 30, has been repeatedly linked with a move, and clubs in Qatar and China are keen to land him.

But McClaren, still seeking his first League win as Newcastle head coach four games into the campaign, said: “Papiss is not going.

“We’ve never discussed that. I know there’s been speculation, but I said to his agent – he scores goals.

“When I came here there was a lot of debate about Papiss whether he was staying or going. I said to our managing director, Lee Charnley, ‘Crikey, look at his record, it’s fantastic – 11 goals in 22 games last season’.

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STAYING PUT: Steve McClaren insists Papiss Cisse is going nowhere

“To be perfectly honest, he was the one who was missed when they weren't winning, because he’s always a threat”

Steve McClaren

“To be perfectly honest, he was the one who was missed when they weren't winning, because he’s always a threat.

“He’s a goalscorer and once you have Papiss in the team, you always have a better chance of winning. That’s what I always thought when I watched Newcastle last season.

“Papiss played the first two games, but didn’t start the last two, and we hope he comes back determined to prove a point and start scoring again for us.

“I see a player who has that look of determination, but every player has to do it on a match-day.

“He’s been very unlucky not to start lately. We wanted a little more and gave Mitro an introduction because it’s a long season.

“Papiss has reacted the right way, certainly in training, and we hope we get the rewards on Monday.’’

McClaren is also excited about the impact Dutch midfielder Siem de Jong can have after missing nearly all of last season, when he suffered a collapsed lung.

Former Magpies boss Alan Pardew compared de Jong, 26, to ex-West Ham and England man Teddy Sheringham. And McClaren agrees, but also sees shades of Holland great Dennis Bergkamp.

“I see the similarity with Sheringham,’’ said McClaren.

“I know Siem very well from my days in Holland. He’s terrific, he’s a kind of Teddy Sheringham – even a Bergkamp type.

“He has that type of vision and capability of doing things with the ball that no other player can do. Siem can play in that ‘No 10’ position.

“He had a difficult year but he’s getting to the level he’s shown in the past, and he’s a player who can make a difference in a game.’’